Section of one of four copies of the original 13th Amendment, signed by Abraham Lincoln.
Library, Museums and Press Staff
February 26, 2025

A View from the Vault - A Signature Accomplishment: Lincoln’s signature and the Thirteenth Amendment

by John Caldwell, Political and Public Policy Papers Archivist

 

“Neither slavery nor involuntary servitude, except as a punishment for crime … shall exist within the United States, or any place subject to their jurisdiction.” With these words, the Thirteenth Amendment to the Constitution curbed the 250-year practice of human bondage which had grown to be the primary driver of the United States economy. 

 

Section of one of four copies of the original 13th Amendment, signed by Abraham Lincoln.

“A Resolution,” 1865 February 1. Autograph Abraham Lincoln documents from the Lincoln Collection at the University of Delaware, MSS 0465. University of Delaware Library Special Collections.

 

Five days after the Battle of Antietam, President Abraham Lincoln issued the Emancipation Proclamation, declaring any enslaved person in a state engaged in rebellion against the federal government free on January 1, 1863. While a monumental action, this did not end slavery across the country–such a fundamental change would require a Constitutional amendment.

The first step in that process was a joint resolution passed by a two thirds majority of both chambers of Congress. The resolution passed the Senate in April 1864, but the House of Representatives failed to pass the resolution before the 1864 election. President Lincoln and his allies worked to secure the necessary votes, cutting deals and making direct emotional pleas with lame-duck congressmen. On January 31, 1865, their efforts paid off and the House passed the resolution. The next day, February 1, 1865, Lincoln signed the resolution and forwarded the amendment to state legislatures for their consideration and ratification. The amendment was ratified by the required number of states and went into force in December 1865. 

 

Close up of the 13th Amendment, featuring the signature of Abraham Lincoln.

“A Resolution,” 1865 February 1. Autograph Abraham Lincoln documents from the Lincoln Collection at the University of Delaware, MSS 0465. University of Delaware Library Special Collections.

 

Special Collections holds one of four known copies of this resolution as part of the Lincoln Collection. It contains the original signatures of President Abraham Lincoln, Vice President Hannibal Hamlin and Speaker of the House Schuyler Colfax; and is attested by the signatures of Secretary of the Senate John W. Forney and Clerk of the House of Representatives Edward McPherson. The resolution form is printed with the amendment text, dates, signatures, titles and the vote count all written in a clear hand. Presidents do not usually sign amendment resolutions, the presence of Lincoln’s signature on this document demonstrates his commitment to ending slavery in the United States. 

 

One of four known copies of the 13th Amendment, featuring the signature of Abraham Lincoln.

“A Resolution,” 1865 February 1. Autograph Abraham Lincoln documents from the Lincoln Collection at the University of Delaware, MSS 0465. University of Delaware Library Special Collections.

 

 

“A View from the Vault” showcases some of the unique, notable or rare items that are a part of the Special Collections and Museums holdings at the University of Delaware. Each month, we highlight a different work and share interesting facts or intriguing histories about it. If you are interested in seeing any of the materials featured in person or want to learn more about any work showcased in the series, please contact Special Collections and Museums at AskSpec or AskMuseums.